Case Report

A 55-year-old incarcerated man with a history of depression presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain. The patient reported that he ingested 6 pieces of metal in an attempt to commit suicide. Abdominal X-ray showed ingested foreign objects suspicious for scrap metal. An upper endoscopy revealed a pair of reading glasses and ten metal electric connectors in the fundus and body of stomach (Figure 1). The foreign bodies were successfully removed with the use of snares, rat tooth forceps, and endoscopic baskets (Figure 2). Multiple devices had to be used due to variation in size and shape of the ingested foreign bodies. A foreign body hood was used throughout the procedure to avoid mucosal damage.

Figure 1. A striking appearance of reading glasses in the stomach.

Ingestion of foreign bodies in adults is usually intentional. The decision to pursue intervention versus observation is always a challenge. Endoscopic removal of foreign body is indicated if the foreign body is greater than 6 cm in length and 2.5 cm in diameter.1 Our case reinforces the use of endoscopic intervention by an experienced endoscopist for large and unusual foreign bodies of the stomach. This avoids more invasive interventions like surgery, leading to fewer complications and shorter length of stay in the hospital.